Visiting the campus is probably one of the most important steps in actually choosing your college. After all, you may be choosing where you would like to live for the next four years.  If you do not have the opportunity to visit, or have a chance to meet an admissions officer at a college fair in your hometown, it will be important for you to take a virtual visit:

• Do your research about the college online.
• Know your own goals and what questions you would like answered.
• Know your PSAT, SAT and/or ACT scores, and GPA.
• Understand your own strengths in the academic arena as well as in extracurricular activities.
• Focus more on academic and student life opportunities.
• Be honest on with yourself and what you are looking for.
• Never underestimate the value of a tour whether online or in person.

When planning a virtual visit to a campus:

• Listen to students, faculty, coaches, and admissions staff presentations online.
• Read the school newspaper online through Campus Newspapers by State.
• View the academic buildings, dorms, library, the labs, the recreational facilities offered online.
• Read about your admissions representative and let them know you have viewed their online via there informational online tours.
• Learn more about the community and cultural venues.

Choose from the following by using one of the following websites:

• Campus Virtual Tours – Virtual tours of college campus.
• College Week Live-Virtual College Fair -Interact with college admissions representatives on-line.
• Virtual Campus Tours: Tour the Campus of 25 Top Colleges and Universities
• Your Campus 360 – A walking virtual tour of a college campus.
• YOUniveristy – Virtual college video tours, students’ interviews about campus.
• College Prowler – Provides answers to questions on all aspects of the school environment.
• You Tube Education – Search, tour, and watch student and faculty interviews online.

After the online visit or online college fair meeting:

• Make notes of your reactions, and other important data you may need to consider later on in the process.
• Ask yourself if the college was a “good fit” for you and your interests.
• If they offer an interactive blog with students, take part and get your questions answered.

Though virtual visits should not be a replacement for actual college tours and information sessions on campus, they can be a great way to start gathering important information and gauge the make up of the school community.